Albuad Environmental Company

‎+966 53 573 3690 info@albuad.sa
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Environmental and biodiversity studies services

Ecological studies and inventory Biological Diversity

At Albuad Environmental Company, we provide ecological studies and biodiversity inventories for projects and sensitive sites in Saudi Arabia. We review site characteristics, habitats, and the business program, then design a survey that documents species, their presence indicators, habitat condition within a clear season, boundary, and fieldwork effort.

We link survey results to site selection, design, and implementation decisions, and identify sensitivity, potential impacts, avoidance, mitigation, restoration, and monitoring measures. The study shows what was actually observed, what is likely to exist, and what requires additional survey or specialized verification.

Request a preliminary assessment of the site Talk to the studies team Required data
✓ Custom site field survey ✓ Species lists and habitat maps ✓ Sensitivity assessment and effects

The scope of ecological studies is determined by the site, target groups, season, and applicable requirements; a single visit does not mean surveying all existing species.

Illustration of ecological studies and biodiversity surveys Field survey and assessment of natural habitats
A study based on the characteristics of the site and the survey season

Species groups, survey methods, number of visits, and their intervals are determined according to the nature of the habitats, site area, project phase, and study requirements.

Direct answer

What are ecological studies and biodiversity inventory?

Ecological studies are scientific studies that analyze the components of the ecosystem and the relationships between living organisms and their habitats, while biodiversity inventory focuses on monitoring and documenting plant and animal species present within a specific range, assessing the condition of their habitats, sensitivity, and the conservation importance of the site. The results are used within environmental impact assessment, spatial planning, management plans, restoration, and environmental monitoring.

Timing of the study

When does the project need Ecological study

The importance of the study increases when the project is located near natural habitats, wadis, coasts, wetlands, or protected areas, or when the proposed activities are capable of altering land use, fragmenting habitats, or disturbing wildlife species.

Choosing a new project location

To compare alternatives and identify environmental sensitivity areas before fixing project boundaries or adopting the master plan.

Construction and infrastructure projects

When works include vegetation removal, excavation, backfilling, roads, or utility lines that may affect habitats or species movement.

Coastal and marine projects

To assess coastal, marine, intertidal, reef, or seagrass habitats as applicable to the site.

Mining, Quarries, and Crushers

To document the environmental baseline, identify affected habitats, and establish management, restoration, and rehabilitation requirements.

Agriculture and water projects

When vegetation, surface water, wetlands, or related species are likely to be affected.

Impact studies and permits

When the scope of the Environmental Impact Assessment requires baseline data on species, habitats, impacts, and protection measures.

Scope of limitation

What can it include The biodiversity survey

Target groups are selected according to the nature of the site, habitats, and expected risks, and not every project needs to include all groups.

Flora and vegetation

To document dominant, rare, or endemic species when present, and assess the density, condition, and distribution of vegetation within the site.

Birds

To monitor resident and migratory species, feeding or nesting sites, movement pathways, and sensitive seasons as relevant to the project.

Land mammals

To record direct sightings, tracks, burrows, footprints, and other indicators of presence using methods appropriate to the site.

Reptiles and amphibians

To conduct targeted surveys for rocky, sandy, and aquatic habitats, and areas providing suitable conditions for these groups.

Invertebrates

To study groups relevant to the project scope, such as pollinators or indicator species of habitat quality when needed.

Aquatic and marine organisms

To study aquatic, coastal, or marine species and habitats when the project is located within an area that may affect them.

Natural Habitats:

To classify habitat units, assess their condition, connectivity, degree of degradation, and capacity to support recorded or expected species.

Ecosystem services

To review site-related benefits, such as water regulation, soil stabilization, grazing, or cultural value when relevant to the study scope.

Service Goals

Why is it performed The inventory of Biological Diversity

The survey provides a baseline against which future changes can be compared, and helps guide design and management toward the least impactful sites and alternatives.

Documentation of existing species

To prepare a log of observed species, their locations, presence observations, abundance, and general condition of the site.

Identification of priority species

To review the conservation, protection, endemism, and sensitivity status when appropriate national or international data is available.

Habitat status assessment

To determine habitat quality, the degree of degradation or fragmentation, and their importance for recorded or potentially present organisms.

Analysis of possible impacts

To assess habitat loss, disturbance, pollution, collision risks, or movement obstruction according to the nature of the project.

Development of protective measures

To propose avoidance, minimization, restoration, and monitoring measures associated with specific impacts, species, and habitats.

Implementation methodology

Preparation steps Ecological study

The methodology begins by understanding the project and environmental context, followed by designing and executing the survey, analyzing the results, and developing protection and monitoring procedures.

01

Collection of preliminary information

Reviewing the project description, boundaries, layouts, satellite imagery, maps, previous studies, and available environmental data.

02

Desk inspection of the site

Identifying expected habitat types, protected or sensitive areas, watercourses, coasts, and surrounding land uses.

03

Survey plan design

Defining target groups, survey points and routes, tools, timing, number of visits, and data recording methods.

04

Implementation of the field survey

Monitoring species and habitats, recording coordinates, observations, weather conditions, and direct and indirect evidence.

05

Checking the types

Reviewing taxonomic identification using appropriate references, images, and diagnostic traits, and consulting appropriate specialists when needed.

06

Habitat classification and sensitivity

Analyzing habitat status, connectivity, degradation, importance, and existing pressures within the project and surrounding areas.

07

Impact assessment

Evaluating impact type, duration, scale, reversibility, the importance of the affected environmental resource, and the degree of uncertainty.

08

Preparation of the report and management plan

Presenting results, maps, species lists, protection measures, monitoring indicators, and proposed responsibilities.

Field survey design

Factors determining accuracy Biodiversity Inventory results

Survey detectability of species varies depending on the season, weather, time, monitoring method, site size, and the nature of each biological group.

01

The right season

Choosing the period that increases the likelihood of plant emergence or target species activity according to the region characteristics.

02

Survey execution time

Some species may require morning, evening, or night monitoring due to differing activity patterns.

03

Habitat coverage

Distributing survey points and routes to represent different habitat units rather than focusing only on easily accessible areas.

04

Field voltage

Documenting survey duration, number of researchers, distance covered, and tools used to facilitate the interpretation of results.

05

Weather conditions

Recording temperature, wind, rain, visibility, and other conditions that may affect species detection.

06

Reference areas

Studying surrounding sites when necessary to understand the environmental context, species movement, and habitat continuity outside project boundaries.

Effects management

Sequence of protective actions Biological Diversity

Priority is given to preventing impacts from the outset, then minimizing them and restoring affected sites, while considering compensatory measures only when significant impacts remain and requirements apply.

01

Avoidance

Modifying the site, boundaries, routes, or design to avoid the most sensitive habitats, species, seasons, and areas.

02

Minimization

Establishing buffer zones, reducing lighting, noise, speed, and clearance area, and scheduling work outside sensitive periods.

03

Restoration

Rehabilitating temporary spaces and restoring soil, vegetation, and essential habitat characteristics after work completion.

04

Compensation when needed

Studying appropriate measures for residual impacts only within regulatory or funding requirements and based on specialized assessment.

05

Adaptive monitoring

Monitoring specific indicators and updating measures when results or impacts differ from initial expectations.

Service Outputs

What does the facility receive after Completion of the study

Final outputs are determined according to the project scope, target groups, number of visits, impact assessment requirements, or the competent authority.

Description of the natural environment

Description of site topography, land use, habitats, vegetation, and key environmental characteristics.

Lists of observed species

Categorized species lists with scientific, Arabic, or English names, observation locations, and available notes.

Assessment of conservation status

Clarification of priority, protected, or important conservation status species according to appropriate and available references.

Habitat and sensitivity maps

Maps showing habitat units, recording locations, sensitivity areas, and overlap with project elements.

Impact assessment

Analysis of impacts during construction and operation, indicating their significance, duration, scope, and reversibility.

Protection Action Plan

Recommendations for avoidance, mitigation, restoration, monitoring, responsibilities, and performance indicators when needed.

Executive summary of management

A summary illustrating key findings, critical areas, required decisions, and action priorities.

Quality and reliability

How to maintain quality Ecological study

The quality of results depends on the appropriateness of the work team, survey methodology, timing, spatial coverage, accuracy of species and habitat documentation, and transparency of study boundaries.

01

Specialties suitable for the scope of the survey

Identifying required expertise according to target biological groups and habitats and the nature of the project.

02

Traceable survey plan

Documenting points, paths, timing, tools, field effort, and conditions affecting the results.

03

Taxonomic verification of species

Reviewing names, taxonomy, illustrated guides, and traits used, and clarifying uncertain cases.

04

Spatial data management

Organizing coordinates, habitat layers, and project boundaries to ensure accurate analysis and map production.

05

Updated save references

Reviewing national sources, the IUCN Red List, and appropriate technical references at the time of the study.

06

Transparency in restrictions

Clarifying the impact of season, access, weather, data gaps, or limited survey duration on conclusions.

07

Internal technical review

Checking consistency between data, maps, assessment, and recommendations before issuing the final version.

08

Project-specific recommendations

Linking each action to a specific type, habitat, or impact instead of relying on general, unmeasurable recommendations.

Beneficiary sectors

Biodiversity studies For multi-sector projects

Road and infrastructure projects Renewable energy projects Mining, Quarries, and Crushers Major industrial projects Marine and coastal projects Resorts and tourist projects Real estate development and grand schemes Pipelines and power transmission Dams and water projects Agriculture and animal production Ports and logistics services Rehabilitation and restoration projects
Service benefits

How to add a study The value of the project

The ecological baseline helps in making early decisions and reducing conflicts between design and sensitive habitats before implementation begins.

Reduce the risk of detecting sensitive habitats or species at late stages.

Support the choice of location, routes and less impactful alternatives.

Provide data supporting the Environmental Impact Assessment Study.

Determine the seasons and areas of environmental restrictions before drawing up the implementation schedule.

Improvement of rehabilitation plans and restoration of affected sites.

Support sustainability reporting and environmental risk management.

Raise the readiness of the project for organizational or financing reviews.

Develop measurable indicators to track the status of habitats and species.

Before designing the survey program

Required data for ecological studies and biodiversity inventory

Send available project data first. We review it to determine the survey scope, seasons, target groups, and work that needs completion or additional coordination.

Site boundaries and coordinates

Digital boundaries or a clear site layout, including area, coordinate system, actual work areas, roads, and project-related facilities.

Activity and project phase

Description of current and proposed works, clearing, excavation, filling, lighting, and storage locations, and alternatives under study.

Timeline and timing

Target implementation date, work phases, available survey period, and any constraints affecting access or field coverage.

Previous surveys

Previous reports, photos, maps, and species lists, along with survey dates, methods, and effort, to assess the validity of data reuse.

Study requirements

Impact study scope, correspondence from relevant authorities, or lender requirements, if any, to determine the depth of assessment and required outputs.

Field coordination

Contact person, access arrangements, status of permits or approvals required for proposed works, and safety and access requirements.

Scope and timing suited to the site

Cost of the ecological study and preparation duration

Cost and duration are determined based on the actual footprint area of the works, habitat diversity, target groups, accessibility, number of visits and seasons, and the volume of analysis, maps, and reviews. The project area alone is not sufficient to estimate the scope of the study.

Fieldwork

Determining specialties, tracks, points, tools, visits, and any specialized nocturnal, marine, or aquatic survey included in the assignment.

Analysis and Outputs

Determining the level of taxonomic verification, habitat mapping, impact assessment, protection and monitoring plan, and data delivery formats.

Seasonality and Reviews

Separating the report preparation time from waiting for the appropriate season, entry arrangements, completion of project data, and reviews by other authorities.

Interpretable and Deliverable Results

How are species and habitat data organized in the report?

Separating Evidence Levels

Distinguishing direct monitoring from tracks, images, previous records, and habitat-based predictions, while indicating the confidence level and source of each record.

Linking Maps to Survey Data

Documenting the date of the point or track, coordinate system, data accuracy, and linking habitat layers to the project layout and its approved version for the study.

Determining Data Availability Level

Organizing the delivery of sensitive species locations and detailed maps according to the review needs, requirements of relevant authorities, and the agreed-upon data sharing scope.

Connecting Baseline to Project Decision

Services Related to Ecological Studies

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions about ecological studies Inventory of Biological Diversity

Is one visit enough to count biodiversity

This depends on the site area, habitat diversity, target groups, season, and project phase. A preliminary inspection visit may be sufficient, while a baseline study might require multiple visits or seasonal surveys.

When is the best time to carry out an ecological survey

The appropriate timing varies by region and target group. The flowering season may be most suitable for plants, while surveys for birds, reptiles, and mammals are tied to different seasons and activity times.

Does the study include endangered species

The study includes reviewing the conservation status of recorded species according to appropriate national and international data and references, and identifying priority, protected, or sensitive species when present.

Are samples taken from plants or objects

This depends on the study methodology, scientific necessity, and regulatory requirements. Priority is given to non-destructive documentation methods, and samples are not collected or specimens handled except in accordance with applicable procedures and approvals.

Does the service include the preparation of biodiversity maps

Outputs can include habitat unit maps, monitoring locations, sensitivity areas, and overlaps with project elements, depending on data quality and the agreed scope of work.

What happens when a sensitive species or habitat is detected

The discovery is documented, along with its significance, location, and expected impact, followed by proposing measures starting with avoidance, such as modifying boundaries or routes, then mitigation, restoration, and monitoring measures when needed.

Is it possible to review a biodiversity study prepared by another

Yes, survey methodology, timing, spatial coverage, species lists, maps, and impact assessments can be reviewed, identifying gaps and suggested additional surveys.

What data is required to get an art show

It is preferable to provide the project site, its boundaries, area, type of activity, project phase, master plan, timeline, any previous impact studies or surveys, and the requirements of the authority or funder, if any.

Is the save status used in the IUCN list within the study

The global conservation status in the IUCN Red List is used when available, along with national sources and local data. The global status alone is not sufficient to determine site importance, national protection status, or the need for additional measures; these aspects are reviewed according to project requirements.

Can a biodiversity monitoring plan be prepared after the study

Yes, monitoring indicators, locations, frequency, implementation responsibilities, alert thresholds, and corrective actions can be established based on priority impacts, species, and habitats.

Do you mean that an outwardly vacant area is of low sensitivity?

General appearance or a satellite image alone is not sufficient for this. Habitats, species indicators, surrounding context, season, and survey effort are reviewed. Failure to observe may reflect timing or limited coverage, and gaps are clarified before concluding the sensitivity level.

Professional references

Official and technical sources related to biodiversity

The final references for each study are determined according to the project location, habitat type, potential species, and the applicable regulatory or funding requirements at the time of implementation.

National Center for Environmental Compliance – Environmental Studies and Consulting License National Center for wildlife Development-Wildlife Conservation National Center for the development of wildlife - protected areas International Union for conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species IFC Performance Standard 6 – Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Management of Living Natural Resources IUCN — Red List definitions and use in assessing extinction risk
Albuad Environmental Company — Albuad Environmental CompanySurvey dates, references, and limitation boundaries are documented in each project report.
Start by evaluating the site

Does your project need an ecological study or an inventory of biodiversity

Send the project location, activity type, site area, and current phase, and we will help you determine the survey scope, target groups, number of visits, and appropriate technical deliverables.

📞 966535733690 ✉️ info@albuad.sa Riyadh-Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
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